There’s a terrifying epidemic that involves some people suffering strokes without even realizing it. Known as silent strokes, they either have no discernible symptoms, or you just don't remember them. But make no mistake, they can cause significant, permanent damage to the brain.
A stroke usually causes:
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-Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
-Abrupt loss of vision, strength, coordination, sensation, speech, or the ability to understand speech (these symptoms may become worse over time)
-Sudden dimness of vision, especially in one eye
-Sudden loss of balance, possibly accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, hiccups, or trouble with swallowing
-Sudden and severe headache with no other cause followed rapidly by loss of consciousness -- indications of a stroke due to bleeding
-Brief loss of consciousness
-Unexplained dizziness or sudden falls
If someone has experienced numerous silent strokes, it’s highly plausible that they may have cognitive and memory problems. It’s also likely that they'll have more severe strokes later down the line.
So how do you detect them before it’s too late?
Discovering a Silent Stroke
If a silent stroke is happening, it probably won't be detectable unless a brain scan picks it up. Slight memory problems or mild difficulty in mobility may happen. A doctor may be able to see signs of silent strokes without testing.
Silent Strokes Are More Common Than You'd Expect
A recent study of middle-aged people with no apparent signs of stroke found that about 10% had brain damage from one.
The damage that happens is permanent, but therapy might help stimulate other parts of the brain so you regain abilities that may have weakened.
Healthy Habits Can Help Keep Silent Stroke At Bay
The susceptibility of experiencing a silent stroke may increase if you have high blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia. The good news is you can do many things to help prevent a silent stroke from happening.
Changes to the way you live can help lower your odds of stroke and heart disease. Devise a plan to adopt these healthy habits:
-Keep up with your blood pressure, and get it under control if it's too high.
-Check your cholesterol regularly.
-Keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.
-Don’t smoke.
-Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Cut back on saturated fats (found in red meat, for example), salt, and sugar.
-Exercise regularly.
-Keep track of your BMI.
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.
